Guidelines for Managing Life‐Threatening Food Allergies in Massachusetts Schools

Abstract

During the past decade, prevalence of food allergies among children increased. Caring for children with life-threatening food allergies has become a major challenge for school personnel. Prior to 2002, Massachusetts did not provide clear guidelines to assist schools in providing a safe environment for these children and preparing for an emergency response to unintended allergic reactions. In 2001, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America/New England Chapter, Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts School Nurse Organization, parents, and other professional organizations forged a successful collaboration to develop guidelines for managing life- threatening food allergies in schools. The guidelines assist schools by providing information on food allergies and anaphylaxis, emphasizing the need for team planning and development of an individualized health care plan, giving guidance on strategies to prevent accidental exposure to specific allergens in school settings, and offering information on emergency responses should unintended exposures occur. The collaborative process for developing the guidelines, which continued during the distribution and implementation phases, set a tone for successful multidisciplinary teamwork in local schools.

Managing children with food allergies in childcare and school

“…A uniform and systematic policy in schools and the school district allows for a minimum level of safety for all. A consistent policy, in many ways, is the most important tool for schools in implementing prevention and treatment plans to reduce the exposure to food allergens, improve the response and training of school personnel, and provide safety for children [12][13][14].…”

“…Many state legislatures have begun acknowledging the food allergy crisis in schools, and released statewide guidance documents encouraging procedures throughout a district ( Table 2 ). Massachusetts has led the way by creating a thorough template and model for other school districts and state legislatures to follow [ 12 ].…”

Management of food allergies in schools: A perspective for allergists

“…61 Following the model developed by the FAAN, an increasing number of states have published state-wide guidelines for managing food allergies in school (see Table E1 in this article's Online Repository at www.jacionline.org). 62,63 Proposed legislation for development of national voluntary guidelines for managing food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools is being considered. 64 Canada has voluntary guidelines recommended by the Canadian School Boards Association that were first published in 1995, 65 …”

Emergency Anaphylaxis at School

“…5 Variation in the reported prevalence of food allergies may result from differences in the geographic location, dietary exposure, age, and gender of study populations, as well as differences in methodologies. 7 In a 2001 study of fatalities resulting from food anaphylaxis, Bock and colleagues noted 32 deaths, 17 of which occurred in children two to 18 years of age. Contributing factors to food allergy or anaphylaxis include obesity, genetics, or endocrine changes; dietary factors, such as vitamin D deficiency or reduced consumption of omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants; and the timing or route of food exposure.…”